The present apparatus and method relates to improvements in stiffening elements within a vehicle body structure at a sub-frame attachment point. In a first embodiment of the improved apparatus and method, a long mounting pin is used in combination with a generally planar shear bulkhead. The pin fits partially into a channel within the shear bulkhead. The pin is welded, near its bottom, to a sub-frame mounting bracket. The long mounting pin extends to the upper part of the vehicle frame and is also welded thereto. The shear bulkhead abuts a generally middle section of the mounting pin and two additional welds are placed securing the mounting pin to the shear bulkhead.